On Monday, June 22, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema received Messouda Bahama Mohamed Laghdaf, the Mauritanian Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, at the presidential palace. Carrying a formal message from President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, the minister officially presented Mauritania’s bid for the leadership of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).

The candidacy, spearheaded by Dr. Koumba Ba, revolves around a strategic framework designed to enhance coherence, maintain balance, and provide tangible benefits to member states. The meeting served as a platform to highlight the robust and fluid diplomatic relationship currently enjoyed by Libreville and Nouakchott. The special envoy reiterated Mauritania’s commitment to expanding bilateral ties with Gabon, emphasizing a history of solidarity and shared perspectives on critical issues.

During the exchange, the official presentation of Mauritania’s candidate for the role of Secretary General of the OIF took center stage, marking a significant step in the country’s international outreach.

For his part, the Gabonese Head of State reaffirmed his preference for consensus-driven leadership and collaborative governance, which remain central to his continental policy. This high-level exchange illustrates Gabon’s active diplomacy and its objective to diversify continental alliances while advocating for a revitalized Francophonie focused on shared economic growth and practical development.